U.S. patent number 10,835,255 [Application Number 15/421,798] was granted by the patent office on 2020-11-17 for adapter assemblies for interconnecting electromechanical handle assemblies and surgical loading units.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Covidien LP. The grantee listed for this patent is Covidien LP. Invention is credited to Anthony Calderoni, Ethan Collins, John Hryb, Paul Richard.
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United States Patent |
10,835,255 |
Collins , et al. |
November 17, 2020 |
Adapter assemblies for interconnecting electromechanical handle
assemblies and surgical loading units
Abstract
A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly and an adapter
assembly. The handle assembly includes a handle housing and a
processor disposed within the handle housing. The adapter assembly
includes a knob housing, an elongate body, a plurality of
electrical components, and a flex circuit. The knob housing is
configured to be connected to the handle housing. The elongate body
extends distally from the knob housing and has a distal end
configured to be coupled to an end effector. The electrical
components are disposed within the elongate body. The flex circuit
has a proximal end configured to be electrically connected to the
processor, and a distal end configured to be electrically connected
to the electrical components.
Inventors: |
Collins; Ethan (Naugatuck,
CT), Richard; Paul (Shelton, CT), Calderoni; Anthony
(Bristol, CT), Hryb; John (Southington, CT) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Covidien LP |
Mansfield |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Covidien LP (Mansfield,
MA)
|
Family
ID: |
58009766 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/421,798 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2017 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20170224347 A1 |
Aug 10, 2017 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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62293500 |
Feb 10, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B
17/00234 (20130101); A61B 17/115 (20130101); A61B
90/90 (20160201); A61B 17/11 (20130101); A61B
17/1155 (20130101); A61B 17/068 (20130101); A61B
2562/0247 (20130101); A61B 2017/00464 (20130101); A61B
2090/065 (20160201); A61B 2017/1132 (20130101); A61B
2562/0261 (20130101); A61B 2017/00017 (20130101); A61B
2017/00482 (20130101); A61B 2090/0808 (20160201); A61B
2017/00398 (20130101); A61B 2017/00734 (20130101); A61B
2017/00473 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61B
17/115 (20060101); A61B 17/11 (20060101); A61B
90/90 (20160101); A61B 17/00 (20060101); A61B
17/068 (20060101); A61B 90/00 (20160101) |
Field of
Search: |
;227/176.1-180.1 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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101902972 |
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Dec 2010 |
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CN |
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105078531 |
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Nov 2015 |
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CN |
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105212979 |
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Jan 2016 |
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CN |
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2301468 |
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Mar 2011 |
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EP |
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2932910 |
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Oct 2015 |
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EP |
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2009/039506 |
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Mar 2009 |
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WO |
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2014/116961 |
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Jul 2014 |
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WO |
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Other References
European Search Report, dated Jun. 28, 2017, corresponding to
European Application No. 17155483.5; 8 pages. cited by applicant
.
Chinese Office Action (with English Summary) dated Jul. 3, 2020,
corresponding to counterpart Chinese Application No.
201710071492.7; 28 total pages. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Stinson; Chelsea E
Assistant Examiner: Hibbert-Copeland; Mary C
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Carter, DeLuca & Farrell
LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/293,500 filed Feb. 10, 2016,
the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A surgical instrument, comprising: a handle assembly including:
a handle housing; and a processor disposed within the handle
housing; and an adapter assembly configured to convert a rotation
of drive elements of the handle assembly into axial movement of
driven members of the adapter assembly to actuate functions of an
end effector of a surgical loading unit, the adapter assembly
including: a knob housing configured to be connected to the handle
housing; an elongate body extending distally from the knob housing
and having a distal end configured to be coupled to the end
effector; a plurality of electrical components disposed within the
elongate body; and a flex circuit extending longitudinally through
the knob housing and the elongate body and having a proximal end
configured to be electrically connected to the processor, and a
distal end configured to be electrically connected to the plurality
of electrical components.
2. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the flex
circuit includes at least two surface layers stacked upon one
another, a first surface layer of the at least two surface layers
being configured to electrically couple the processor to two of the
plurality of electrical components, and a second surface layer of
the at least two surface layers being configured to electrically
couple the processor to another of the plurality of electrical
components.
3. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the distal
end of the flex circuit includes a switch configured to be
activated by one type of end effector upon connection of the one
type of end effector to the distal end of the elongate body,
whereby a memory of the flex circuit transmits operating parameters
of the adapter assembly to the processor.
4. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein one of the
plurality of electrical components is a linear position sensor
assembly that is disposed in the distal end of the elongate body,
and wherein the distal end of the flex circuit is electrically and
mechanically connected to the linear position sensor assembly.
5. The surgical instrument according to claim 4, wherein the linear
position sensor assembly includes plurality of sensors axially
aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis of the linear
position sensor assembly.
6. The surgical instrument according to claim 4, wherein the linear
position sensor assembly has five contacts electrically connected
to the distal end of the flex circuit.
7. The surgical instrument according to claim 4, wherein another of
the plurality of electrical components is a pressure sensor, the
distal end of the flex circuit being bifurcated forming a first
distal end electrically and mechanically connected to the linear
position sensor assembly and a memory, and a second distal end
electrically and mechanically connected to the pressure sensor, the
second distal end extending in a generally proximal direction and
disposed proximally of the first distal end.
8. The surgical instrument according to claim 7, wherein the
pressure sensor is a strain gauge.
9. The surgical instrument according to claim 7, wherein the
pressure sensor has five contacts electrically connected to the
second distal end of the flex circuit.
10. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein one of
the plurality of electrical components is a memory having stored
therein at least one operating parameter of the surgical
instrument, the distal end of the flex circuit being electrically
connected to the memory.
11. The surgical instrument according to claim 10, wherein the at
least one operating parameter is selected from the group consisting
of a speed of operation of a motor of the handle assembly, an
amount of power to be delivered by the motor of the handle assembly
during operation thereof, a selection of which motors of the handle
assembly are to be actuated, and a type of function of an end
effector to be performed by the handle assembly.
12. The surgical instrument according to claim 10, wherein the
memory has an identification code stored therein corresponding to
one type of end effector.
13. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the
memory is a 1-wire eeprom having two contacts electrically and
mechanically connected to the distal end of the flex circuit.
14. A surgical instrument, comprising: a handle assembly including:
a handle housing; a motor disposed within the handle housing; and a
processor disposed within the handle housing; an adapter assembly
configured to convert a rotation of drive elements of the handle
assembly into axial movement of driven members of the adapter
assembly to actuate functions of an end effector of a surgical
loading unit, the adapter assembly including: a knob housing
configured to be connected to the handle housing; an elongate body
extending distally from the knob housing and having a distal end; a
plurality of electrical components disposed within the elongate
body; and a flex circuit extending longitudinally through the knob
housing and the elongate body and having a proximal end configured
to be electrically connected to the processor, and a distal end
configured to be electrically connected to the plurality of
electrical components; and the surgical loading unit having a
proximal end configured to be operably coupled to the distal end of
the elongate body of the adapter assembly and a distal end having
the end effector.
15. The surgical instrument according to claim 14, wherein the flex
circuit includes at least two surface layers stacked upon one
another, a first surface layer of the at least two surface layers
being configured to electrically couple the processor to two of the
plurality of electrical components, and a second surface layer of
the at least two surface layers being configured to electrically
couple the processor to another of the plurality of electrical
components.
16. The surgical instrument according to claim 15, wherein a first
electrical component of the plurality of electrical components is a
linear position sensor assembly that is disposed in the distal end
of the elongate body, a distal end of the first surface layer of
the at least two surface layers of the flex circuit being
electrically and mechanically connected to the linear position
sensor assembly.
17. The surgical instrument according to claim 16, wherein a second
electrical component of the plurality of electrical components is a
pressure sensor, a distal end of the second surface layer of the at
least two surface layers of the flex circuit being bifurcated from
the first surface layer and having a distal end electrically and
mechanically connected to the pressure sensor.
18. The surgical instrument according to claim 17, wherein a third
electrical component of the plurality of electrical components is a
memory having stored therein at least one operating parameter of
the surgical instrument, the distal end of the first surface layer
of the at least two surface layers of the flex circuit being
electrically connected to the memory.
19. The surgical instrument according to claim 18, wherein the
distal end of the flex circuit includes a switch configured to be
activated by the surgical loading unit upon connection of the
surgical loading unit to the adapter assembly such that upon
connecting the surgical loading unit with the adapter assembly, the
memory automatically transmits the at least one operating parameter
to the processor via the flex circuit.
20. The surgical instrument according to claim 14, wherein the
proximal end of the flex circuit is received in the handle housing
when the handle assembly is coupled to the adapter assembly, and
wherein a majority of a length of the flex circuit remains disposed
within the adapter assembly when the proximal end of the surgical
loading unit is separated from the distal end of the elongate body.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to adapter assemblies to
electrically and mechanically interconnect electromechanical handle
assemblies and surgical loading units. More specifically, the
present disclosure relates to flex circuits of adapter assemblies
for electrically interconnecting handle assemblies, adapter
assemblies, and/or surgical loading units.
2. Background of Related Art
A number of surgical device manufacturers have developed product
lines with proprietary drive systems for operating and/or
manipulating electromechanical surgical devices. In many instances,
the electromechanical surgical devices included a handle assembly,
which was reusable, and disposable loading units and/or single use
loading units or the like. The loading units included an end
effector disposed at an end thereof that were selectively connected
to the handle assembly prior to use and then disconnected from the
handle assembly following use in order to be disposed of or in some
instances sterilized for re-use.
In certain instances, an adapter assembly was used to interconnect
an electromechanical surgical device with any one of a number of
surgical attachments, such as, for example, surgical loading units
or end effectors, to establish a mechanical and/or electrical
connection therebetween. To form an electrical connection between
the handle assembly, adapter assembly, and surgical loading unit, a
plurality of discreet wires were used.
A need exists for an improved way to electrically interconnect
components of a surgical instrument.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure relates the flex circuits that are
incorporated into adapter assemblies of electromechanical surgical
systems. The flex circuits are configured for electrically
interconnecting handle assemblies and surgical loading units.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical
instrument is provided that includes a handle assembly and an
adapter assembly. The handle assembly includes a handle housing and
a processor disposed within the handle housing. The adapter
assembly includes a knob housing, an elongate body, a plurality of
electrical components, and a flex circuit. The knob housing is
configured to be connected to the handle housing. The elongate body
extends distally from the knob housing and has a distal end
configured to be coupled to an end effector. The electrical
components are disposed within the elongate body. The flex circuit
has a proximal end configured to be electrically connected to the
processor, and a distal end configured to be electrically connected
to the electrical components.
In some embodiments, the flex circuit may have a first surface
layer and a second surface layer stacked upon one another. The
first surface layer may be configured to electrically couple the
processor to two of the plurality of electrical components. The
second surface layer may be configured to electrically couple the
processor to another of the plurality of electrical components.
It is contemplated that the distal end of the flex circuit may have
a switch configured to be activated by one type of end effector
upon connection of the end effector to the distal end of the
elongate body.
It is envisioned that one of the electrical components may be a
linear position sensor assembly that is disposed in the distal end
of the elongate body. The distal end of the flex circuit may be
electrically connected to the linear position sensor assembly. The
linear position sensor assembly may include a plurality of sensors
axially aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis of the
linear position sensor assembly. The linear position sensor
assembly may have five contacts electrically connected to the
distal end of the flex circuit.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, one of the electrical
components may be a pressure sensor. The distal end of the flex
circuit may be bifurcated, forming a first distal end electrically
connected to the linear position sensor assembly and a memory, and
a second distal end electrically connected to the pressure sensor.
The pressure sensor may be a strain gauge. The pressure sensor may
have five contacts electrically connected to the second distal end
of the flex circuit.
In some embodiments, one of the electrical components may be a
memory having stored therein an operating parameter of the surgical
instrument. The distal end of the flex circuit may be electrically
connected to the memory. The operating parameter may be selected
from the group consisting of a speed of operation of a motor of the
handle assembly, an amount of power to be delivered by the motor of
the handle assembly during operation thereof, a selection of motors
of the handle assembly to be actuated, and a type of function of an
end effector to be performed by the handle assembly. The memory may
have an identification code stored therein corresponding to one
type of end effector. The memory may be a 1-wire eeprom. The 1-wire
eeprom may have two contacts electrically connected to the distal
end of the flex circuit.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical instrument
is provided that includes a handle assembly, an adapter assembly,
and a surgical loading unit. The handle assembly includes a handle
housing. A motor and a processor are each disposed within the
handle housing. The adapter assembly includes a knob housing
configured to be connected to the handle housing, an elongate body
extending distally from the knob housing, a plurality of electrical
components disposed within the elongate body, and a flex circuit.
The flex circuit has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal
end of the flex circuit is configured to be electrically connected
to the processor. The distal end is configured to be electrically
connected to the electrical components. The surgical loading unit
has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the
surgical loading unit is configured to be operably coupled to a
distal end of the elongate body of the adapter assembly. The distal
end of the surgical loading unit has an end effector.
In some embodiments, the distal end of the flex circuit may have a
switch configured to be activated by the surgical loading unit upon
connection of the surgical loading unit to the adapter assembly
such that upon connecting the surgical loading unit with the
adapter assembly, the memory automatically transmits at least one
operating parameter to the processor via the flex cable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hand-held, electromechanical
surgical instrument, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a side view of a flex circuit for electrically
interconnecting a handle assembly of the surgical instrument of
FIG. 1 and an adapter assembly of the surgical instrument of FIG.
1;
FIG. 3A is a side view of a first surface layer of the flex circuit
of FIG. 2, with parts removed;
FIG. 3B is a side view of a second surface layer of the flex
circuit of FIG. 2, with parts removed;
FIG. 3C is a side view of the first and second surface layers of
flex circuit of FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively, attached to one
another;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a linear position sensor assembly
connected to the flex circuit of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pressure sensor; and
FIG. 6 is an embodiment of a flex circuit having a switch disposed
at a distal end thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments of the presently disclosed electromechanical surgical
instruments including handle assemblies, adapter assemblies, and
surgical loading units including end effectors are described in
detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference
numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of
the several views. As used herein the term "distal" refers to that
portion of the handle assembly, adapter assembly, surgical loading
unit or components thereof, farther from the user, while the term
"proximal" refers to that portion of the handle assembly, adapter
assembly, surgical loading unit or components thereof, closer to
the user.
With brief reference to FIG. 2, a flexible circuit or flex circuit
100 is provided and is configured for receipt in an adapter
assembly 14 (FIG. 1). Flex circuit 100 electrically interconnects a
processor "P" (FIG. 1) of a handle assembly 12 (FIG. 1) and a
plurality of electrical components of adapter assembly 14 (FIG. 1).
The electrical components include, but are not limited to, a
memory, a linear position sensor assembly, and/or a pressure
sensor, as will be described in detail herein. The flex circuit 100
is easy to assemble within adapter assembly 14, eliminates the need
for discreet, separate wires, and ultimately enhances patient
safety and reduces manufacturing costs.
With reference to FIG. 1, a surgical instrument is provided, such
as, for example, an electromechanical surgical instrument
designated generally using reference character 10. Surgical
instrument 10 generally includes a handle assembly 12, an adapter
assembly 14, and a surgical loading unit 15 having an end effector
26. Handle assembly 12 is configured for selective attachment to
any one of a number of adapter assemblies, for example, the
illustrated circular end-to-end anastomosis adapter assembly 14 or
an endo-gastrointestinal anastomosis adapter assembly (not shown),
and, in turn, each adapter assembly is configured for selective
connection with any number of surgical loading units, such as, for
example, the illustrated circular end-to-end anastomosis surgical
loading unit 15 or an endo-gastrointestinal anastomosis surgical
loading unit (not shown). Surgical loading unit 15 and adapter
assembly 14 are configured for actuation and manipulation by handle
assembly 12. Upon connecting adapter assembly 14 to handle assembly
12 and one type of surgical loading unit 15 to adapter assembly 14,
powered, hand-held, electromechanical surgical instrument 10 is
formed.
For a detailed description of the construction and operation of an
exemplary electromechanical, hand-held, powered surgical
instrument, reference may be made to International Publication No.
WO 2009/039506, filed on Sep. 22, 2008, and U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2011/0121049, filed on Nov. 20, 2009, the entire
contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
With continued reference to FIG. 1, handle assembly 12 includes an
inner core handle assembly (not explicitly shown) and a handle
housing or shell 18 configured to selectively receive and encase
the inner core handle assembly. It is contemplated that handle
housing 16 may be disposable or sterilizable for re-use. The inner
core handle assembly includes one or more motors "M" operable and
configured to drive an operation of end effector 26 of surgical
loading unit 15. The inner core handle assembly has a plurality of
sets of operating parameters (e.g., speed of operation of motors
"M" of handle assembly 12, an amount of power to be delivered by
motors "M" of handle assembly 12 to adapter assembly 14 during
operation of motors "M," selection of which motors "M" of handle
assembly 12 are to be actuated, functions of end effector 26 of
surgical loading unit 15 to be performed by handle assembly 12, or
the like). Each set of operating parameters of handle assembly 12
is designed to drive the actuation of a specific set of functions
unique to respective types of end effectors when an end effector is
coupled to handle assembly 12. For example, handle assembly 12 may
vary its power output, deactivate or activate certain buttons
thereof, and/or actuate different motors "M" thereof depending on
which type of surgical loading unit is coupled to handle assembly
12.
The actuation of motors "M" of handle assembly 12 function to drive
shafts and/or gear components (not shown) of adapter assembly 14 in
order to drive the various operations of surgical loading unit 15
attached thereto. In particular, when surgical loading unit 15 is
coupled to handle assembly 12, motors "M" are configured to drive
the shafts and/or gear components of adapter assembly 14 in order
to selectively move an anvil assembly 30 of end effector 26 of
surgical loading unit 15 relative to a circular cartridge assembly
28 of end effector 26 of surgical loading unit 14, to fire staples
from within cartridge assembly 28, and to advance an annular knife
blade (not shown) from within circular cartridge assembly 28.
Handle housing 16 further includes a processor "P," for example, a
microprocessor. Processor "P" is configured to determine if and
when an identification code stored in a memory 50 (FIG. 2) of
adapter assembly 14 corresponds to the type of surgical loading
unit that is operatively coupled to handle assembly 12. Processor
"P" is configured to disable operation of motors "M" of handle
assembly 12 when the identification code stored in memory 50 does
not correspond to a particular type of surgical loading unit 15
and/or adapter assembly 14 coupled to handle assembly 12. For
example, if the identification code stored in memory 50 corresponds
to an endo-gastrointestinal anastomosis surgical loading unit (not
shown) and, if the illustrated circular end-to-end anastomosis
loading unit 15 is coupled to handle assembly 12, a negative
identification will be made by processor "P" and handle assembly 12
will be rendered inoperable.
Handle assembly 12 further includes a battery "B" disposed in a
base portion thereof. Battery "B" provides power to motors "M" upon
actuation of the trigger of handle assembly 12.
With continued reference to FIG. 1, adapter assembly 14 of surgical
instrument 10 is configured to couple surgical loading unit 15 to
handle assembly 12. Adapter assembly 14 includes a knob housing 20
and an elongate body 22 extending distally from a distal end of
knob housing 20. Knob housing 20 and elongate body 22 are
configured and dimensioned to house the components of adapter
assembly 14. Elongate body 22 is dimensioned for endoscopic
insertion. For example, elongate body 22 is passable through a
typical trocar port, cannula, or the like. Knob housing 20 is
dimensioned to not enter the trocar port, cannula, or the like.
Elongate body 22 of adapter assembly 14 has a proximal portion 22a
coupled to knob housing 20 and a distal portion 22b configured to
be coupled to surgical loading unit 15. Adapter assembly 14
converts a rotation of drive elements (not shown) of handle
assembly 12 into axial movement of driven members (not shown) of
adapter assembly 14 to actuate functions of loading unit 15.
An exemplary embodiment of an adapter assembly is disclosed in U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0324978, filed on May 2,
2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference
herein.
With continued reference to FIG. 1, surgical loading unit 15 of
surgical instrument 10 has a proximal end having an elongate body
24 and a distal end having an end effector 26 supported on elongate
body 24. Elongate body 24 is releasably coupled to distal end 22b
of elongate body portion 22 of adapter assembly 14. In some
embodiments, elongate body 24 of surgical loading unit 15 may be
monolithically formed with or integrally connected to distal end
22b of elongate body 22 of adapter assembly 14.
End effector 26 of loading unit 15 includes a cartridge assembly 28
and an anvil assembly 30. Cartridge assembly 28 is releasably
mounted to distal end 24b of elongate body 24. Cartridge assembly
28 includes a staple cartridge 32 configured for supporting a
plurality of surgical staples (not shown) therein and to discharge
the staples into tissue after approximation of cartridge assembly
28 and anvil assembly 30. Staple cartridge 32 has a plurality of
staple retaining recesses 33 having the surgical staples disposed
therein. Staple retaining recesses 33 are arranged in annular rows.
It is envisioned that cartridge assembly 28 may be operably mounted
to a distal end of any actuation assembly, powered or manual, of
various surgical instruments.
Anvil assembly 30 includes, inter alia, an anvil shaft 36, an anvil
head 38, and an anvil center rod 40 extending from anvil head 38.
Anvil shaft 36 extends from elongate body 24 of loading unit 15. A
proximal end (not shown) of anvil shaft 36 is configured to be
removably or non-removably coupled to a central shaft 16 of adapter
assembly 14. As known in the art, central shaft 16 of adapter
assembly 14 is operable to selectively longitudinally move anvil
shaft 36 to move anvil head 38, which is supported on anvil shaft
36, between unapproximated and approximated positions, in relation
to cartridge assembly 28, in response to actuation of handle
assembly 12.
With reference to FIG. 2, surgical instrument 10 further includes a
flex circuit 100, which is disposed or disposable within adapter
assembly 14 and configured to electrically connect electrical
components (e.g., a memory 50, a linear position sensor assembly
60, and a pressure sensor 70, or the like) of adapter assembly 14
to processor "P" of handle assembly 12. In particular, flex circuit
100 extends longitudinally through adapter assembly 14 and has a
proximal end 100a and a distal end 100b. Proximal end 100a of flex
circuit 100 is configured to be electrically connected, directly or
indirectly, to processor "P" of handle assembly 12. Distal end 100b
of flex circuit 100 is configured to be electrically connected,
directly or indirectly, to memory 50, linear position sensor
assembly 60, and pressure sensor 70, as will be described in
greater detail below.
In some embodiments, distal end 100b of flex circuit 100 may be
configured to be electrically connected to certain electrical
components (e.g., a memory, a linear position sensor assembly,
and/or a pressure sensor, or the like) disposed in surgical loading
unit 15 rather than in adapter assembly 14 or in addition to those
disposed in adapter assembly 14.
With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3A-3C, flex circuit 100 comprises two
surface layers 102, 104 stacked upon one another. It is
contemplated that flex circuit 100 may include one or more than two
surface layers. First and second surface layers 102, 104 bifurcate
from one another (see FIG. 2) at distal end 100b of flex circuit
100 to form a first distal end 102b of flex circuit 100 and a
second distal end 104b of flex circuit 100. First distal end 102b
of flex circuit 100 electrically connects to both memory 50 and
linear position sensor assembly 60. Second distal end 104b of flex
circuit 100 electrically connects to pressure sensor 70. Proximal
ends 102a, 104a of each of surface layers 102, 104 electrically
connect, directly or indirectly, to processor "P" to electrically
couple processor "P" to memory 50, linear position sensor assembly
60, and pressure sensor 70.
Proximal and distal ends 102a, 102b of first surface layer 102 of
flex circuit 100 each have seven (7) contacts "C1-C7," "C8-C14."
Two contacts "C13," "C14" of the seven (7) contacts "C8-C14" of
distal end 102b of first surface layer 102 are associated with
memory 50, and two contacts "C1," "C2" of the seven (7) contacts
"C" of proximal end 102a of first surface layer 102 are associated
with processor "P" for transmitting information between processor
"P" of handle assembly 12 and memory 50 of adapter assembly 14. The
other five (5) contacts "C8-C12" of the seven (7) contacts "C8-C14"
of distal end 102b of first surface layer 102 are associated with
linear position sensor assembly 60, and the other five (5) contacts
"C3-C7" of the seven (7) contacts "C1-C7" of proximal end 102a of
first surface layer 102 are associated with processor "P" for
transmitting information between processor "P" of handle assembly
12 and linear position sensor assembly 60 of adapter assembly
14.
Proximal and distal ends 104a, 104b of second surface layer 104 of
flex circuit 100 each have five (5) contacts "C15-C19," "C20-C24."
The five (5) contacts "C20-C24" of distal end 104b of second
surface layer 104 are associated with pressure sensor 70, and the
five (5) contacts "C15-C19" of proximal end 104a of second surface
layer 104 are associated with processor "P" for transmitting
information between processor "P" of handle assembly 12 and
pressure sensor 70 of adapter assembly 14. In some embodiments,
first and second surface layers 102, 104 may have fewer or more
than 7 or 5 contacts, respectively.
With continued reference to FIG. 2, as mentioned above, adapter
assembly 14 includes a plurality of electrical components, e.g., a
memory 50, a linear position sensor assembly 60, and a pressure
sensor 70. Memory 50 of adapter assembly 14 is disposed within
distal end 22b (FIG. 1) of elongate body 22 and is electrically
coupled to first distal end 102b of flex circuit 100. It is
contemplated that memory 50 may be a non-volatile memory, such as,
for example, a 1-wire electrically erasable programmable read-only
memory. Memory 50 has stored therein discrete operating parameters
of handle assembly 12 that correspond to the operation of one type
of surgical loading unit, for example, surgical loading unit 15,
and/or one type of adapter assembly, for example, adapter assembly
14. The operating parameter(s) stored in memory 50 can be at least
one of: a speed of operation of motors "M" of handle assembly 12;
an amount of power to be delivered by "M" of handle assembly 12
during operation thereof; which motors "M" of handle assembly 12
are to be actuated upon operating handle assembly 12; types of
functions of surgical loading unit 15 to be performed by handle
assembly 12; or the like.
Memory 50 may also have a discrete identification code or serial
number stored therein that corresponds to one type of surgical
loading unit and/or one type of adapter assembly. The
identification code stored in memory 50 indicates the type of
surgical loading unit and/or adapter assembly to which handle
assembly 12 is intended to be used.
With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, linear position assembly 60 of
adapter assembly 14 is partially disposed within distal end 22b of
elongate body 22 and is electrically coupled to first distal end
102b of flex circuit 100. Linear position assembly 60 includes a
plurality of sensors 62 axially aligned with one another. Linear
position sensor assembly 60 further includes magnets (not shown)
mounted on central shaft 16 of adapter assembly 14. As such, the
magnets move with central shaft 16 as central shaft 16 moves
relative to cartridge assembly 28 between the unapproximated and
approximated positions. Central shaft 16 is configured for slidable
receipt in a channel 64 defined in a housing 66 of linear position
sensor assembly 60. In some embodiments, the magnets may be
supported on or disposed in various components of anvil assembly
30. The magnets generate a magnetic field that is detected by
sensors 62 and used to ultimately determine a linear position of
anvil assembly 30 relative to cartridge assembly 28.
Sensors 62 are configured to sense a change in the magnetic field
emitted by the magnets upon longitudinal movement of the magnets
relative to sensors 62 as central shaft 16 is displaced or moved
axially through channel 64 of linear position sensor assembly 60.
Sensors 62 may be in the form of magnetoresistance sensors. As
such, magnetoresistance sensors 62 are configured to sense or
determine an angle of direction of the magnetic field emitted by
the magnets throughout relative longitudinal movement of the
magnets. In some embodiments, sensors 62 may be in the form of
hall-effect sensors. Hall-effect sensors are configured to sense or
determine a magnetic flux density of the magnetic field emitted by
the magnets throughout relative longitudinal movement of the
magnets.
With reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, pressure sensor or strain gauge 70
of adapter assembly 14 is disposed within distal end 22b of
elongate body 22 and is electrically coupled to second distal end
104b of flex circuit 100. Pressure sensor 70 is designed and
adapted to detect, measure, and relay to handle assembly 12 an
axial force output and/or input of adapter assembly 14. In
particular, drive shafts (not shown) of adapter assembly 14 are
operably coupled to strain gauge 70 and extend through a channel 72
defined through strain gauge 70. As strain gauge 60 enters a
compressed and/or tensioned condition by a force imparted thereon
by movement of the drive shafts of adapter assembly 14, an
electrical resistance of strain gauge 60 is changed, which is
measured by a circuit board, such as, for example, a wheatstone
bridge (not shown). The measured change in electrical resistance of
strain gauge 60 is then related to the amount strain gauge 60 has
been strained (e.g., bent). The calculated strain is then
correlated to an amount of axial force output of adapter assembly
14.
For a detailed discussion of an exemplary pressure sensor,
reference may be made to U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/662,731, filed on Mar. 30, 2015, entitled "Adapter Assemblies
For Interconnecting Electromechanical Handle Assemblies and
Surgical Loading Units," the entire contents of which are
incorporated by reference herein.
In use, a particular surgical procedure is selected, such as, for
example, a thoracic surgery having a unique and/or specific set of
surgical operating parameters/requirements/tasks. Accordingly, a
desired/necessary adapter assembly, e.g., adapter assembly 14, is
selected from a plurality of adapter assemblies available for use
in order to achieve the surgical operating
parameter/requirement/task. Proximal end 100a of flex circuit 100
of adapter assembly 14 is connected to processor "P" of handle
assembly 12 and distal end 100b of flex circuit 100 is connected to
each of the electrical components of adapter assembly 14 (e.g.,
memory 50, linear position sensor assembly 60, and pressure sensor
70).
Upon directly or indirectly electrically connecting processor "P"
of handle assembly 12 to memory 50 of adapter assembly 14 via flex
circuit 100, processor "P" receives, from memory 50, the
parameter(s) by which handle assembly 12 will operate during use,
including, for example, a set of parameters tailored for the
operation of adapter assembly 14. Upon directly or indirectly
electrically connecting processor "P" to linear position sensor
assembly 60 of adapter assembly 14 via flex circuit 100, processor
"P" is able to receive information from linear position sensor
assembly 60 involving the linear position of anvil assembly 30 of
surgical loading unit 15 relative to cartridge assembly 28 of
surgical loading unit 15. Upon directly or indirectly electrically
connecting processor "P" of handle assembly 12 to pressure sensor
70 of adapter assembly 14 via flex circuit 100, processor "P" is
able to receive information from pressure sensor 70 involving an
amount of axial force output or input of adapter assembly 14.
With reference to FIG. 6, provided is an embodiment of a flex
circuit 200, similar to flex circuit 100 described above with
reference to FIGS. 1-5. Flex circuit 200 is configured to be
assembled within an adapter assembly, for example, adapter assembly
14 of FIG. 1. Flex circuit 200 has a proximal end 200a and a distal
end 200b. Proximal end 200a of flex circuit 200 is configured to be
electrically connected, directly or indirectly, to processor "P"
(FIG. 1) of handle assembly 12. Distal end 200b of flex circuit 200
has a switch 202 configured to be activated by a surgical loading
unit, e.g., an endo-gastrointestinal anastomosis surgical loading
unit (not shown) upon proper connection of the surgical loading
unit to adapter assembly 14. Flex circuit 200 also has a memory
250, similar to memory 50 described above, that has stored therein
operating parameters of handle assembly 12 (FIG. 1).
In use, upon properly connecting the surgical loading unit with
adapter assembly 14, memory 250 of flex circuit 200 automatically
transmits the operating parameters stored therein to processor "P"
via flex cable 200. If the surgical loading unit is not properly
connected to adapter assembly 14, or the wrong surgical loading
unit is connected to adapter assembly 14, switch 202 of flex
circuit 200 will not be activated such that handle assembly 12 will
not be operable to actuate functions of the surgical loading
unit.
In some embodiments, flex circuit 200 may also be configured to
electrically connect, in addition to switch 202, other electrical
components (e.g. a linear position sensor assembly and/or a
pressure sensor) of adapter assembly 14 to processor "P" of a
handle assembly, e.g., handle assembly 12 of FIG. 1.
It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the
embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical instrument 10 and
components thereof. Therefore, the above description should not be
construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of
embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other
modifications within the scope and spirit of the present
disclosure.
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